Social Robots - Robotics and Toy Computing

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    Specialized CNT-based Sensor Framework for Advanced Motion Tracking
    ( 2021-01-05) Gelsomini, Federico ; Hung, Patrick ; Kapralos, Bill ; Quevedo, Alvaro ; Jenkin, Michael ; Tokuhiro, Akira ; Kanev, Kamen ; Makoto, Hosoda ; Mimura, Hidenori
    In this work, we discuss the design and development of an advanced framework for high-fidelity finger motion tracking based on Specialized Carbon Nanotube (CNT) stretchable sensors developed at our research facilities. Earlier versions of the CNT sensors have been employed in the high-fidelity finger motion tracking Data Glove commercialized by Yamaha, Japan. The framework presented in this paper encompasses our continuing research and development of more advanced CNT-based sensors and the implementation of novel high-fidelity motion tracking products based on them. The CNT sensor production and communication framework components are considered in detail and wireless motion tracking experiments with the developed hardware and software components integrated with the Yamaha Data Glove are reported.
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    Robot Dog Intervention with the Golden Pup: Activating Social and Empathy Experiences of Elderly People as Part of Intergenerational Interaction
    ( 2021-01-05) Ihamäki, Pirita ; Heljakka, Katriina
    This paper takes an interest in examining the potential of robotic pet toys as social companions, which activate the social and empathy experiences of the elderly and by doing so, increase their wellbeing. In order to study the benefits of using Golden Pup, a commercial robot dog, we designed and performed a research intervention at a senior day activity center with 10 participants of ages 65-80+ years interested in the firsthand user experiences. This study suggests how robotic pets can be used to activate the social and empathy experiences of the elderly, and illuminates the role of reciprocity in building a relationship with a robotic pet. We present novel results on how a robot dog with a natural interface may evoke social and empathy experiences as part of playful, intergenerational group activities.
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    Remote-HRI: A Pilot Study to Evaluate a Methodology for Performing HRI Research During the COVID-19 Pandemic
    ( 2021-01-05) Gittens, Curtis
    The essential component of studying how humans and robots relate is to observe how they interact with each other. This fact has been taken for granted until the COVID-19 pandemic made all such HRI study-based interactions verboten. We address the question of how HRI research can continue in an environment where physical distancing is the most effective approach to containing the spread of the disease. In this paper we present a pilot study that indicates that Remote-HRI (R-HRI) studies can be a feasible alternative. The results suggest, importantly, that whether the participant interacts with the robot in-person (but physically-distanced) or remotely, their perception of the robots is unaffected. We observed increased effort and frustration by participants when interacting remotely with the robot – for which there may be an underlying cultural cause. However, all participants completed their tasks with the robot and had a neutral to positive experience using it.
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    Recommendations to Enhance Privacy and Usability of Smart Toys
    ( 2021-01-05) Yankson, Benjamin ; Salgado, Andre L. ; Fortes, Renata P.M.
    The collection of personal information by smart toys causes various privacy concerns. The use of personal information has also been subject to regulatory acts by different governments. For these reasons, smart toy manufacturers need to develop effective privacy controls. However, designing usable privacy controls remains a challenge. In this paper, we sought to identify the main security vulnerabilities involved with smart toys that are related to usability and may impact users' privacy. To this end, we performed a security analysis and usability heuristic evaluations. After identifying current vulnerabilities, we create a list of design recommendations aiming at enhancing both the usability and privacy of smart toy privacy controls. We also suggest a revised severity scale to help to prioritize the design solutions.
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    CHATBOTS, CONVERSATIONAL INTERFACES, AND THE STEREOTYPE CONTENT MODEL
    ( 2021-01-05) Seiler, Roger ; Schär, Annemarie
    Chatbots are becoming increasingly common in web-based business-to-consumer (B2C) communica-tion. However, this technology can have high failure rates when it comes to correctly processing consumer inquiries, as human interactions and conversational di-alogues are complex and highly context dependent. Be-sides improving the technology behind the chatbots, companies may be able to enhance a client’s chatbot ex-perience by using insights from the stereotype content model (SCM). Hence, this paper seeks to find out whether the model can be applied to the domain of chat-bots and whether it holds true in this context as well. An online survey was conducted, and the results showed that people perceived the chatbots according to the model. Therefore, companies are advised to use the “loveable star” stereotype in their chatbot communica-tion. Trust did not score significantly higher for this ste-reotype than for the other SCM stereotypes. This con-tradicts existing theory and is therefore an invitation for further research.
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    Introduction to the Minitrack on Social Robots - Robotics and Toy Computing
    ( 2021-01-05) Hung, Patrick ; Marques Peres, Sarajane ; Huang, Shih-Chia